The green movement is encouraging more and more people to change parts of their lives in a positive way. Living sustainably benefits both you and the world around you. A sustainable option that many people do not know about is companion planting. Companion planting is the planting of different crops in close proximity because they are beneficial to each other. Some aid as pesticides, some help with pollination, and some help with productivity. By using companion planting, you can hopefully eliminate or reduce the need for chemical pesticides or fertilizer by utilizing nature’s own versions. Here are a few common and extra-helpful plants to use as companion plants.

Marigolds

Marigolds are the wunderkind of the plant world. The golden blooms are beneficial to practically all other plants; the exceptions are Brussels sprouts, beans, and cabbage plants. Tomatoes see special value from being near marigolds. The flowers produce a pesticide from their roots. This works to keep out beetles, eelworms, nematodes, and other pests. It can even be effective to stop the growth of some weeds.

Basil

Basil is an herb garden staple, so it’s great to know that it can be incredibly helpful to other plants’ growth. Planting basil near tomatoes has been proven to enhance flavor. Peppers, which need some shade and high humidity, also benefit from basil, which is dense-leafed. Potatoes, eggplant, and asparagus would also enjoy having basil planted nearby.

Tarragon

Tarragon could be the marigold of the herb family, as it is beneficial to everything. Most pests dislike the scent of tarragon, making it a great natural pesticide for all plants. Tarragon is also thought to be a nurse plant, meaning it enhances the growth and flavor of nearby plants. The herb is especially beneficial to eggplant.

Cilantro

Rather than constantly spraying your valuable rosebushes, try planting cilantro nearby. The herb repels the pesky aphids that love roses. It also keeps spider mites, white flies, and potato beetles at bay. Cilantro further helps by attracting tachnind flies, parasitoid wasps, and hoverflies, all of which are great forms of biological pest control.

Carrots

Carrots are another great plant for making use of biological pest control. Carrots are known to attract assassin bugs, parasitic wasps, lacewing, and other predatory wasps, all of which defend the plant and your garden from destructive pests. Carrots are also great companion plants for beans, leeks, lettuce, peas, tomatoes, and onions.